Report of the Commission of Public Health to the Minister of Public Health / Department of Public Health, Victoria.

  • Victoria. Commission of Public Health.
Date:
[1951]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Commission of Public Health to the Minister of Public Health / Department of Public Health, Victoria. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    10/96 (page 10)
    Murray Valley Encephalitis lias certain characteristics in common with Australian X disease, which was first recognized during 1917 and recurred again in the middle twenties. There is evidence which suggests that these two diseases may be identical or closely allied. Leptospirosis in Victoria. During 1950 an investigation into leptospirosis in East Gippsland was carried out by the Epidemiological Research Unit, Fairfield Hospital, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Mr. N. A. M. Wellington, Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture. Leptospirosis is primarily a disease of calves, cows, and swine, but in various parts of the world outbreaks have occurred among humans. Prior to 1950, there were no recorded cases of the disease occurring in Victoria in humans, although the disease had been present in animals for several years. Leptospirosis causes a condition known as “ redwater ” in calves and cows and is of considerable economic importance to the dairying industry. In man, the disease manifests itself as an influenza-like illness, and sometimes complications involve the membranes around the brain causing signs and symptoms suggesting meningitis. In this investigation, 41 persons associated with dairy farms were examined. These persons fell readily into two groups. Sixteen persons had a history of suggestive illness, while 25 persons had no history of illness suggestive of leptospirosis. The results of the investigation are summarized in the following Table. Investigation of 41 Dairy Farm Personnel. Blood Tests. Group. Indicative of Leptospira pomona Negative. Infection. 16 patients with history of illness 9 examined with active disease 5 4 7 reviewed in retrospect 4 3 25 patients without history of illness Workers on “ redwater ” farms • • 25 Apart from the investigation into human infection, a survey was carried out on cattle and swine in East Gippsland to determine the extent of a potential source of infection to humans. A total of 42 East Gippsland cows and calves with suspected leptospirosis was investigated, and a diagnosis of Leptospira pomona infection was made in 25 animals. Blood tests were also carried out on 45 swine, and 30 were found to be positive for Leptospira pomona. It is considered that cattle and swine constitute the animal reservoir of infection in East Gippsland, and that man is infected, either through coming into contact with animals, or contact with the ground infected by urine from the animals. COUNTRY SEWERAGE. Five preliminary plans for new sewerage systems were examined during the year, but in no case has construction commenced. At Maffra, although the scheme was started in 1942, house connections are proceeding slowly. The only post-war scheme under construction is at Moe, and this is far from complete. No commencement has yet been made on the treatment works. Until these are complete there can be no house connections. Quarterly inspections of operating sewage treatment works were abandoned in February owing to staff shortage. Treatment plants were generally up to standard except where town development has resulted in overloaded units or where ground and storm water infiltration was excessive. Duplication of overloaded units or rehabilitation, where necessary, has been held up by shortages of labour and materials. A notable